Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Tabby Tuesday....

Short answer - it took lots of time. Mom wasn't sure the first time she took in kittens, but they have their own room to start and we were curious and Tommy did some hissing, but it actually went pretty well.

We have let mom know that adult males are not an option. There was one guy that overnighted here for a couple of days and Tommy spent the entire time sitting outside the bathroom door growling. Mom never gave him the chance to get face to face, but we suspect it may not have ended well for anyone.

The first family we took in with a momma cat, mom got worried again. But, Butterfly was in the bathroom with her kitts until the girl were about 6 weeks old, so by that time everyone here had the chance to sniff her under the door and she wasn't that interesting by the time she got out.

Tommy and Spud do spend the first few days hissing at the door when we have a new group. Normally new kittens start out in the bathroom and gradually get access to the rest of the house. We know some people like to keep their fosters in their own space, but our condo is pretty small and mom likes that the kittens can get used to household noises and also gain some social skills living with other cats. Little ones slowly get access to the house but sleep in the bathroom at night - to keep them out of trouble and give them access to kitten food.

However, we do sometimes have older kittens. Again, if space allows they start out in the bathroom and get introduced to us over a few days.

And then there is the current chaos. We tell people - when taking home your new kitten, set up a separate space and let everyone meet slowly. So, do as we say, not as we do. Mom figured Uncle Bill was pretty safe though - he lived with Miss Beckie, so he is used to other cats and she was sure we were all "what's one more" by this time.

Reactions are different. Tim LOVES kittens and mom uses him to socialize (he loves kitten food too, so that is easy). Spud isn't interested other than to make sure the kittens leave him alone - Maestro is pretty much the same way. Mozart and Ivy are indifferent. Tommy is ok with them.....mom calls him the enforcer since he will only allow so much goofing off before laying down the paw. And Junior LOVES kittens too cause once they are old enough, it gives him someone to play with. :)

15 comments:

I love all the names of the cats. I really never knew that cats could be as picky as dogs when living and sharing the same space. I think it sounds like your set up is wonderful and these cats are sooooo lucky to have you!

We just had a minor miracle occur where Simba initiated a nose-to-nose greeting with Willie Rae. I generally prefer to keep him separated from the fosters, as he gets pretty unhappy at the idea of other cats in his space. But with two singletons, I had to let them into the house for more socialization. He's grumpier than usual, but I guess he's adjusting.

this iz grate advise guys...thanx for sharin...we noe it canna be easy for mom ore kittehs but sounds like ewe haz it down just rite.....high paws N headbonks...ouch...ta yur mom for fosterin in the furst place....de blessings oh st francis that those kneadin forever homes are guided ta de rite ones......lunch for everee one at TT two day...help yurselves !! we got flounder AND fries searin on de grill two day !!

All kitties have their own personality! Just like people, some guys dont like new guys coming into their teritory, some igorore them, and some only like the little ones because they're no threat. Just imagine how it would be if no one was fixed! They'd be all street gangy, snapping their paws and having dance fights! MOL When you're a Spud, you're a Spud all the way!

Hmm... So the smelling under the door helps, eh? My boy Eugene has never growled or hissed in his life - he would be the perfect guy to have in a revolving door of cats.He loves all cats. My little girl Nikita takes MONTHS to STOP growling and hissing! I don't think I could ever foster with her around. And the new baby...well that remains to be seen. I still find your situation so AMAZING!!!